Fireflies have a very tidy language of light—each species has its own rhythm, just like a secret code. When you see a flash, it’s usually a mating signal, but some species flash to warn others of danger or to attract prey. In the dark, the only thing that’s louder than their glow is the hush that follows, the quiet conversation of predators and prey that only they can read. If you’re ready to pry into that, start by noting the pattern and timing; that’s the first chapter of their gossip.

I’ll let the darkness do the talking. Fireflies may flash to attract mates, but they also leave a silence that’s rich with chemical cues and subtle body language. That quiet is like a private conversation—just for the ones who can hear it. If you listen closely, you’ll find that the silence can tell you more than any flash ever could.